20th Sep 2005, 05:11

In the UK, a queue of people at a bus stop will watch a fancy car go by with envy, thinking "Why should that bas**** have one?"

In the USA & Canada, the people in the bus queue will say to themselves, "I hope I can have one of those one day".

Generalisations, of course, but much truth in them.

It will only get worse.

10th Oct 2005, 13:40

Good Review, I once owned one too and experienced the same sort of problems. The other being that in the UK you can never really use it properly often enough. A perfect remedy for this was replacing it for an Aston Martin DB9 no jealousy, no vandalism, and it is much much more useable.

1st Nov 2005, 21:14

No, not much truth in your generalisations. The U.K. folk in the bus queue are thinking- "where did the money come from in order to buy such a ludicrously expensive car?" That shows a concern for decent social morals and conscience. The U.S. folk, as you point out, are just thinking about getting one too. That shows a self-indulgent concern based on materialism and greed. More truth in this generalisation- don`t you think?

26th Mar 2006, 13:13

Hello I just got a 360 f1 and I think it must be arrogant drivers that drive these cars from the comments I've read above. Previously I had a ferrari 355 and people would stop me in the street or petrol station and say please take me out in it, please please!! They ranged from 3 year olds to 80 year old granny's who would have loved to get in it. When some one looks at you try to smile it helps you know -- but the car is not expensive, if you know the right people and drive the car more often.

Generally enjoy it, drive it, appreciate it and be happy and let others share it rather than give the impression that you think you are IT. From a genuine ferrari 360 driver... 27/3/6.

27th Mar 2006, 10:06

I'm just curious how a $160K car that gets 10 mpg, takes premium fuel, requires $3,000 oil changes, and is costly to insure is in any way NOT expensive.

I'm not saying these cars aren't brilliant, but even if you are best friends with a Ferrari mechanic there is no way this car is cheap to buy and run compared to, say, a Porsche or a Mercedes, much less a Toyota.

2nd Dec 2006, 10:41

It's just too bad new money has polluted the Ferrari pool as evidenced by the above.

16th Dec 2006, 19:17

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a spider this summer, what are the real running costs of a years driving say 6000 miles. Also has anyone ever purchased a ferrari power warranty?

8th Mar 2007, 08:32

I'm in the market for a 360 so find many of the posts here fairly helpful, particularly the initial post. Being able to actually stop the car somewhere without worrying that some scrote will cause damage is a real concern.

To the guy from the US of the 6th Dec, I'd like to point out that the US is one of, if not THE lowest aid suppliers in the civilised world as a percentage of GDP - fact!

24th Sep 2007, 00:01

I have enjoyed reading all of the comments and reviews above. Sorry to hear about the jealousy issues in the U.K. I live in the U.S., and find that people here are generally happy to see my 360, although I am still wary about just leaving the car unattended in some parking lot or street, as certain curious people can accidentally damage the car.

When I am stopped at a light, at my office or at an event, people are curious and ask lots of questions. I am always willing to show and discuss the vehicle with them, as well as let some of them sit in the car and view it. A lot of people are amazed that I am happy to spend so much time with them. I am happy to do so, because I always appreciated the folks that would treat me nice and show me there cars when I didn't have the means to get one.

I have worked hard all of my life, and always aspired to get one of these cars. I have always had a passion for cars, which started off with used Mustangs, Corvettes, Camaros and 300ZXs, and graduated to BMWs, Porsches, Vipers and now the 360. In addition to the 360, I also currently own an NSX, a E60 M5 and a gas guzzling Escalade ESV.

I started a car detailing business when I was 16, and got the opportunity to detail a lot of these types of cars through a collaboration with a Porsche and Mercedes shop in New Orleans, and this is where I began my aspirations to own my vehicles.

I have respect for many other types of cars, and appreciate all of the other practical (and not so practical) automobiles out there, but I want to drive vehicles I am passionate about.

As well as having the detailing business, I also worked a fast food restaurants and convenience stores. I put myself through college by joining the U.S. Airforce. I learned to be an aircraft mechanic, and used a lot of my mechanical training to work on my own cars (as much as I possibly can, but I do still have my limits due to how expensive tools and diagnostic equipment is these days).

When I graduated college, I joined a managed health care company at a very low position and salary, and worked my way up to RVP of a 10 state region. I still remember where I come from and try to show respect to all people I encounter. The Golden Rule can get you far in life! I know that there are some people that are happy for me with regards to what I have accomplished (especially my family... and yes... I am still with my first wife, who agreed to marry me right out of school, when neither of us had any money).

There are others that think I am absolutely absurd about spending my money on high cost automobiles (including my parents). I understand the fact that many people find it ridiculous that I buy these expensive gas guzzling machines, but there isn't much I can do to change their minds, nor do I really care to try. I figure as long as I take care of my family, household responsibilities, charitable donations and my 401K first, then I don't need to apologize for spending the rest of my hard earned money on expensive cars like the Ferrari.

I am happy for anyone that has the means to do whatever they are truly passionate about. I want to live life to the fullest. I am thankful everyday for the opportunities that have been afforded to me, and I continue to thank God that I live in the U.S., where I am free to do this!

With that said, there is nothing I have ever owned compared to the 360 Modena.

First, the hard facts that I have encountered:

The major costs are a timing belt and full tune up and fluid change that can cost around $4,000. If you plan on putting a couple of thousand miles per year on the car, you can get by with doing this service every 3 to 5 years.

Batteries can go dead (even with the battery saver switch turned off), so I recommend getting a trickle charger and plugging it in when not driving. I have one from Sears and it works just fine.

Also, if buying a F1 car, I highly suggest having a Ferrari mechanic putting the car on a SD2 machine and checking the clutch wear, as you can be looking at anywhere between $2K and $5K.

Early 360 models (1999 through September 2000) had cam variators that were about 2mm shorter than the redesigned variators that followed. The variators were redesigned in September 2000, as certain 360s had issues where the timing was thrown off, which could cause catastrophic damage.

Also, when doing a belt change, it is recommended to replace the belt tensioners with a stronger updated design. I found out from my mechanic, that you can actually contact Ferrari North America, and they will actually replace these parts at their cost when you pay for a belt change if the parts haven't already been changed out. They won't just roll over for you on this request, so you may have to do a little arguing, and you will need this service performed at a Ferrari dealership for Ferrari to foot the bill on the parts. Also, please note that Ferrari will require you to show proof of registration before selling you any parts, and they will only sell you parts specific to your car.

Also, check out all underbody panels (there are 3 of them) to make sure that they aren't cracked or missing. The 3 panels can cost around $2,500 from Ferrari to replace. It is normal for these fiberglass panels to get stress cracks around the mount points. I actually fixed mine myself with fiberglass, bondo and resin. I then primed and sanded it, and repainted it, which saved me $1,500. I did have to buy the front panel, as it was missing.

Also, check for oil leaks. I had some that were the result of the cam seals not being seated properly. Your mechanic should always replace these when changing the timing belts.

Once you have a major service performed and a full report printed out from the SD2 machine, you should have piece of mind and be ready to have some fun.

Another issue with some 360s is that the instrument panel can go out. A replacement can cost around $4K. Make sure the panel in your car works through all of the ranges. My panel has always worked fine.

Also, when turning the key to the first position, make sure all idiot lights work. The owner's manual will tell you which ones come on. You should also run a Car Fax vehicle history to see how many owners there were. If your car doesn't have a good service history readily available, you can see where the car was previously registered, and contact Ferrari dealers and specialty shops in the areas) where the car was previously registered to find out service history. I was able to do this on my car, and found out that the AC compressor had been changed, and that the upgrades to the timing belt tensioners and cam variators had been done. I also found out that my car was considered a very solid example.

As a precaution, I did a major service over 1 year ago and spent $4,300. The car runs like a top, and my oil change will run me around $250 this year. I shouldn't have to do any major maintenance for the next 4 years, and will only do oil changes once per year, as I plan to put on a couple of thousand miles per year.

Also, my insurance costs are a bargain for this type of a car. I have USAA (from being in the military) and my premium with a $1,000 deductible runs $1,175 per year, and I can drive the car every day to work if I want to without any restrictions. I don't plan to part with my 2000 model 360 if I can help it, as it took me over 3 years to find the exact car I wanted. It is Rosso Corsa with tan Daytonas with red inserts. It has factory shields, red brake calipers, F1 transmission and Challenge grille. I have added carbon fiber challenge mirrors (purchased from a guy on eBay, as Ferrari won't sell these to you), carbon fiber Tubi airboxes, 19 inch Hamann wheels with Pilot Sports and Fab Speed Exhaust tips. The car drives like a razor. The sound of the motor running up to 8,500 RPMs is exhilarating, and the F1 paddles make you feel like Schumacher behind the wheel!

Someday, I plan to have the means to purchase an Enzo. I don't have them today, but as they say, "Follow your dreams". I have done that my 37 years of life, and I don't have any plans to stop now.

Regards to all!